Parrish/Ellenton homes? (Hollywood, Plantation, Sarasota: HOA fees, insurance, houses)

[Oobie119]

Does anyone know info on Parrish? we are looking to buy in this area, we are in our 30's w/2 year old. We know it is surrounded by Ellenton, but we don't know much about the demographics of these areas. Not so much that, but are they safe? We don't want to move near trash, or be anywhere near gangs, rundown neighborhoods..I've heard good and bad about palmetto which is also nearby.. Any input is great!

[PaulaC]

We live in Parrish with some of the best neighbors ever. Two of our neighbors have children, while two do not. My boyfriend and I do not have any children, but we enjoy the kids in the neighborhood. Parrish is pretty safe and we also have 2 sheriff's deputies living with 4 houses. You should check out a subdivision called ancient oaks. Large lots which is great for kids. Other subdivisions are in the Parrish area as well. I'm not sure about schools, but our neighbors seem very happy with them. I know there is a new elementary and middle school less then 3 minutes from my house. Ellenton is very close to Parrish, both of them along US Hwy 301. After living in Manatee County for 37 years, I'm very happy I have a home in Parrish. I wouldn't want to be in the City of Bradenton anymore.

Hope this helps. If you need any specific questions answered, just PM me.

[Oobie119]

Great, thanks so much! Are you near Kingsfield? We are really interested in that area. Also, can you suggest any subdivisions that have lower taxes. I noticed they seem to vary greatly. Also, the HOA's do too. Are they done annually, quarterlyh or does that vary also?

[PaulaC]

We are on the other side of US 301 from Kingsfield. We looked in that subdivision when we were shopping, but didn't like the builder (Centex) with fiberglass tubs in the baths. The lots are very close together as well.

Our HOA fees are $700 per year, paid quarterly. Each HOA has different documents, so you want to check that depending on where you may buy. Some HOAs are twice a year, so it can vary.

As far as taxes, in the Parrish area, you are not paying any city taxes in addition to county taxes. That helps some there. I would not recommend any house that is frame. Only buy concrete block. Insurance is very high if you have a wood frame house. Try to get something newer, built to the new codes. I hope this helps a little.

[Oobie119]

Okay, you're helping alot! Can you offer any information on schools. My husband works for the county so we associate areas by the school. Do you know what your area elementary school is? Williams, Mills or maybe Witt? Since you don't have children you may not know what the dividing lines are.. What about nearby dining?

[PaulaC]

I don't have any children, but I do know it is Virgil Mills almost right around the corner from my house. I believe they just built a middle school next to it, but I'm not sure of the name.

There are also soccer fields and the County golf course (Buffalo Creek).

My neighbors next door had considered moving about two years ago, but didn't because their daughters really like the schools they were in.

I'm sorry I don't have more information on the schools, perhaps I can ask them tonight if I see them!

[chief1907]

I currently live in Parrish and I believe that if you live on the North side of 301 your children would go to Mills and if you live on the south side they would go to Williams. They are both very good schools and I know parents that have children at each school and they are all happy with the quality of education that their children are recieving.

My daughter goes to Imagine Charter School which is a public charter school that is temporarily in Ellenton. Next year they will be in their permanent site in north Parrish. It is also an excellent school and we are very happy there. They have a completly different teaching model called Project CHILD (changing how learning for instruction is delivered) which I really like. You can access more information at the following site if you would like: Institute for School Innovation, ISI, is a non-profit organization and founder of Project CHILD

We have been very happy in Parrish and it really is growing. In five years I think that there will be any ammenity that one could want. Some neighborhoods to check out: Cross Creek, Chelsea Oaks, River Plantation, Kingsfield, Kingsfield Lakes, Harrison Ranch, Lexington, River Wilderness, Ancient Oaks

[Florida_Mom_27]

I would suggest getting a few more opinions before you make a decision. We lived in Parrish/Ellenton area for two years and personally I was pretty miserable. We had a 2 year old at the time. Yes you get a nice bigger house for cheap, but if you enjoy restaurants, shopping, the beach, etc., you will be driving into Sarasota, about 30 mins for all that. Very limited shopping, I think two grocery stores. No Target, Old Navy, Ross or anything like that. Yes you have that tired old outlet mall, but how many times can you walk laps around there? Your choice of resturants are Applebees, a couple of fast food joints or Ruby Tuesdays. It gets old after a while. If you want to go to the beach, plan a nice 35 -40 minute drive. Too long in my opinion, maybe not for others. Like I said, our daughter was about 2 at the time, so we were not worried about schools, but there was absolutely nothing for her to do there. We always had to drive to Sarasota. There is a mall about 20 mins away called Desoto that the locals affectionally named "the ghetto mall". Also Palmetto has the nice little nickname, "Palma-ghetto" and you'll see why. I never drove through there with my doors unlocked. Anytime you are getting off your exit to go to Parrish, Palmetto is about 5 mins the opposite direction. I wouldn't suggest shopping at the Wal-Mart there without some mace. Sorry, I just disliked the area greatly, but I enjoy having things to do in a relatively close proximity. Some people like living out in the country; I don't. I also didn't care for the cookie cutter neighborhoods with postage stamp lawns and neighbors packed in so close you could reach out your window and touch their house. I don't know what you and your husband are into, but please know that Parrish is way out in the country and quite a drive from any sort of nightlife, beach activities, cultural events, etc. We lived in Covered Bridge neighborhood by the way.

[Mackeyser]

See, Florida_Mom and I are totally different.

I've lived in urban areas with all that jazz. And hated it. Just...hated...it. Lived near Beverly Hills, Hollywood. Been to A-list parties (well, one) with the red carpet. Had my kids go to school and be friends with several kids of celebrities.

I couldn't be happier to be moving TO Covered Bridge.

I'm a home body. As a disabled vet, I don't dance, generally can't afford movies for six people and coming from Culver City, I'm totally used to 30 minute car rides.

Now, if you are looking for upscale and close, then yes, Sarasota is for you.

See, I LOVE Manhattan. To visit.

To live, Covered Bridge, and the areas of Ellenton, Palmetto and Parrish are great for me.

Each person is different.

Hope that helps.

Be well all,
Mack

[wakefrr]

We are looking to purchase in Covered Bridge Estates and wanted to know about Crime? Neighbor Hood Friendlyness ect. Can you help?